Find out how popular the last name Tatafu is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Tatafu.

Tatafu, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Tatafu surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Tatafu in America

Tatafu is the 138304th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Tatafu surname appeared 121 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Tatafu.

The history of the last name Tatafu

The surname TATAFU is believed to have originated in the small village of Tafatu, located in the mountainous region of northwestern Samoa. This name first appeared in written records around the 16th century, during the early years of European exploration and colonization in the South Pacific.

The name TATAFU is derived from the Samoan word "tafatu," which means "to weave" or "to braid." This connection suggests that the earliest bearers of this surname may have been skilled weavers or craftspeople, renowned for their intricate and beautiful handiwork with various natural fibers and materials.

One of the earliest documented references to the TATAFU name can be found in the journals of French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, who visited Samoa in 1768. In his writings, he mentions encountering a family of skilled weavers with the surname TATAFU, who presented him with finely woven mats and tapestries as gifts.

In the 19th century, a prominent figure named Talafu TATAFU (1825-1892) emerged as a respected chief and leader in the village of Tafatu. His influence extended beyond his village, and he played a significant role in mediating disputes between various Samoan clans during a period of political upheaval.

Another notable bearer of the TATAFU name was Sina TATAFU (1880-1961), a renowned poet and storyteller from Samoa. Her works, which celebrated the rich cultural traditions and natural beauty of her homeland, were widely celebrated and helped preserve the oral histories and legends of her people.

During the early 20th century, a family of TATAFU artisans gained recognition for their exquisite wood carvings and tapa cloth designs. Their works were showcased at various international exhibitions, including the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, where they were awarded several accolades for their craftsmanship.

Another prominent figure was Tui TATAFU (1902-1978), a respected leader in the Samoan community and a passionate advocate for preserving traditional cultural practices. He was instrumental in establishing several community organizations aimed at promoting and teaching the art of weaving, carving, and other traditional crafts to younger generations.

Throughout the centuries, the TATAFU name has been associated with a rich legacy of artistry, cultural preservation, and community leadership in Samoa. Despite its small population, the TATAFU surname has left an indelible mark on the history and cultural heritage of this Pacific island nation.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Tatafu

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Tatafu.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Tatafu was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Tatafu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tatafu, please contact us.

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